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Burns Harbor board approves signage variances for CIT Trucks with conditions
Summary
The Burns Harbor board approved amended variances allowing CIT Trucks to install a static freestanding pylon sign and building signage, requiring removal of the old sign within 60 days and limiting lighting to avoid glare across I‑94.
The Burns Harbor board voted to approve amended variances that allow CIT Trucks to install additional signage for its new dealership and service facility, the board said during its meeting.
Greg Babcock, representing the applicant, told the board the company sought two variances: one for the total square footage of signage on the 14‑acre site and one for the freestanding pylon sign. He said the 50,000‑square‑foot Kenworth franchise facility will be visible from Interstate 94 and that franchise rules require fixed logos. "We're not gonna have any kind of scrolling signs," Babcock said, adding the freestanding sign would be static and oriented perpendicular to I‑94 so east‑west traffic can see it.
Carl Horzolnik, identified in the presentation as president of CIT Trucks, said the dealership is already operating out of a temporary location and expects to move into the new building in early 2026. "Right now, we are 28 employees," Horzolnik said, noting several current employees live in Burns Harbor and that the new facility should support additional local hiring.
During the public hearing, employee and resident Clint Yoakam said the sign would improve visibility for customers and help the company recruit locally. No members of the public spoke in opposition.
Board discussion focused on conditions staff and members had requested earlier: the applicants agreed to take down an existing Campland sign on the adjacent property within 60 days of the new pylon's activation, to orient and direct lighting downward to avoid glare across I‑94, and to use numeric door identifiers (not branded advertising) for doors. A board member noted that door numbers submitted to the building commissioner were treated as identification rather than advertising.
A motion to approve both amended variances passed by roll call. The board asked applicants to sign the approved findings so the record is complete.
Next steps: the applicant will execute and return signed findings and the town will record the variance approval and the 60‑day removal condition in the project file.
